Ohio biker, 82, is buried on his Harley

Jan. 31, 2014
|

The family of Billy Standley, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, carried out his wish to be buried on his 1967 Harley Davidson motorcycle Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, hauling a large Plexiglas casket to Fairview Cemetery in Crawford County, Ohio. / Marshall Gorby, The News-Sun/AP

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

by Michael Winter, USA TODAY

Billy Standley, of Mechanicsburg, Ohio, was buried Friday in the Plexiglas casket his sons built, firmly astride his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He was 82, his bike 47.

Standley's heavenly ride is a custom-painted 1967 Electra Glide. Wearing his old black leathers, a white helmet and clear aviator glasses, he will travel forever with his eyes closed, his gloved hands grasping the handlebars, the Dayton Daily News reported, including a photo of the dearly departed biker.

Five embalmers outfitted the father of four with a metal back brace and straps to ensure good riding position inside the see-through casket. He was accompanied by his trophies.

Standley's family said he began planning for eternity 18 years ago, and bought three additional burial plots next to his wife, Lorna, at the Fairview Cemetery in Mutual, Ohio. His two sons, Pete and Roy, then set about building their father's final resting place, which they reinforced with wood and steel.

It sat in his garage for five years.

"He was proud of it," Roy said. "If you stopped by his house, he showed you his casket."